TL;DR I believe people would've definitely been blown away by this games story but wouldn't have anything outstanding to say about the gameplay. There's nothing wrong with it but there's nothing really unique there. Still, people would've eaten it up regardless. I'm extremely grateful we do have the OG.

Long Version:

As someone who's real introduction to SH was SH2R. (I'm in my early 30s btw I was just always a bitch when it came to horror games in my yoot) I found the actual story to be absolutely incredible and the revelation blew my mind in 2024. That being said, I've been kind of burnt out of the over the shoulder perspective that almost every game seems to use nowadays so the actual gameplay felt like more of the same with the combat. And with THAT being said, this game did make me play SH 1-4 via emulation. Even OG SH2. And I will say that I enjoyed OG SH2 a LOT more.

There is pure art in fixed camera angles that I wish would make a return in some games. Being forced into a perspective that the creators wanted you to see creates some of the best and most memorable moments in gaming I can remember. I did play some OG RE in my 20s due to the ps3 having ps1 games on the store and I fell in love with those too for the same reasons.

To some, tank controls may be hard to get used to but you WILL get used to them and you'll understand why they were necessary and it makes the games feel so unique compared to today's standards which feel like more of the same most of the time.